With the back garden torn from stem to stern and a new digging project scheduled for today, I’ve been reminiscing about my previous sunny garden and how to incorporate some of the features I loved about that space into the shady garden here.
Previous garden, July 2008–View of the back garden from the house. There was also a cottage garden around the front porch, a woodland garden, and a tiny vegetable plot which you can just spy in the left of this photo.
I’ve made considerable progress with my plans this week thanks to a number of new books acquired just before the end of the year. Here’s a peek at what I’ve been reading.
Food for thought…
Hortitopia 
I’d like to recommend Beth Chatto’s book on shade planting, she is the most inspirational gardener and writer I know. Exciting times, have fun!
Christina–Yes, I agree. I have most all of Chatto’s books and the shade information is very helpful for challenges here. In fact, after the September tour to the Cotswolds and London, I stayed an extra day with a couple of friends to visit her garden. It was amazing. I’m so glad I finally got to see it after all these years of reading and dreaming about it.
I’m so pleased you saw it. It is my favourite garden in the whole world. I found the gravel garden a
To continue, I found the gravel garden a great inspiration for my garden here.
One of the dearest books on my garden book shelves in the letters on Life and Gardening between Beth Chatto & Christopher Lloyd….Dear Friend and Gardener. I know you must have read it. If you missed it, go straight out and buy it.
I look forward to seeing what your reading and design skills produce.
Pat–Oh no, now the pressure is on:-)
The previous sunny garden makes my heart sing. This is a wonderful design, everything about it stunning. Why, oh why would you touch it. You mean it is gone?
Stepheny–Yes, gone. We moved from the suburbs to the city and now live in a 1950s neighborhood in a native woodland along the Reedy River.
wow 🙂
I agree with Christina, Beth Chatto’s books about woodland and boggy planting have been inspirational to me, I thoroughly recommend them.
Pauline–Have you been to the Chatto garden? I finally had the chance to visit in September and now enjoy her books even more.
Love to see what others are reading for gardening inspiration and sources! thank you…
Libby–I have a thing for books, especially gardening books. But I guess its better than shoes or chocolate:-)
Beautiful reminiscences. Always good to escape to a fond memory when facing destruction of your premises! Your books look delicious!
Eliza–I do miss the old garden sometimes, especially in the early mornings. In summer, I used to have my first cup of coffee in a rocking chair on the porch where the photo was taken.
One day you’ll be able to sit and do the same in your new garden. Hold strong! 🙂
The Druse book looks timely with the tag about climate change. Have fun planning. Your former garden is lovely.
Susie–Druse is an excellent plantsman and his advice is always sound.
That’s a large change, but so exciting. Have fun with those lovely books
Oh, garden books, hurrah! I know Ken Druse, but I’m not familiar with the other authors. I’ll have to check them out!